Tino Pietrogiovanna, Deborah Compagnoni, Alberto Tomba and Gustav Thöni with Oreste Peccedi. © FISG/Tania Peccedi

Trainer legend dead: Mourning in Italy's ski scene

The Italian ski family received sad news on Sunday. One of the most important figures of the so-called Valanga Azzurra died at the age of 84.

19 Maj 2024

From: leo

Regardless of whether it was Gustav Thöni, Piero Gros, Erwin Stricker or Helmuth Schmalzl: they were all part of the “azure blue avalanche” that was launched in 1974 by the Journal of Sport was brought into being when the Azzurri celebrated a five-ach victory in the giant slalom in Berchtesgaden. A man who has played a major role in the upswing in Italy's ski scene is Oreste Peccedi. He died on Sunday at the age of 84 in his hometown of Bormio.

Peccedi began his activity as a trainer in the 50s. But he gained fame primarily from 1968 to 1976, when he led the men's team, first with Jean Vuarnet and later with Mario Cotelli. Under Peccedi's wing, Italy's athletes achieved unprecedented success: In total, Peccedi's protégés celebrated 48 World Cup victories, won five large and six small crystal globes and twelve medals at major events.

The maker of the Stelvio

Peccedi remained active in the ski scene even after his resignation as a coach and projected the infamous Stelvio on the occasion of the 1985 World Ski Championships in Bormio and Santa Caterina Valfurva, which is still an integral part of the racing calendar. Peccedi continued to compete in Masters races until 2015.